One-Act Fest: Playwright's Night with Tom Churchill

During the festival, Thursdays will come alive as local playwright Tom Churchill holds staged readings of his new play White Star or Three Women and One Man. There will be a Q&A with the author, cast, and director following the readings.

Three women from various walks of life and disparate parts of the world meet in Limbo, form a firm bond telling their life stories, which is only threatened by arrival of one man, innocent appearing, with a terrifying story of his own.

This year’s festival will feature five plays each performance, four directors, ten actors, three workshops, and readings of an original work presented by the playwright! It also introduces WICA’s first resident theatre company – a dynamic consortium of actors, directors, designers, and technicians.

Each of the five featured plays was written for two characters and explores their lives and relationships through conversations:

PENGUIN BLUESby Ethan Phillips, directed by Kent JungeKent Junge makes his directorial debut with this small, intimate look at the emotional revelations needed to take the painful first step towards sobriety. Starring Shelley Hartle and David Mayer.

LIGHT by Jeni Mahoney, directed by Phil JordanA short play about finding and losing friendships. And finding them again.

WINTER GAMES by Rachel Bonds, directed by Phil JordanA short play about unexpected connections – the moment when you really see someone you thought you knew.

THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED by Tennessee Williams, directed by Tristan A.B. SteelWillie, a young girl from Mississippi, is world-weary before her time. Orphaned, she lives alone in a condemned boarding house. One day as Willie walks on the railroad tracks, she meets a young boy named Tom, and we learn how her life became this way.

BETWEEN US written and directed by David ChurchillBetween Usexplores the nuances of communication between loving couples, and how our perceptions of each other change over time. Although the essence of it is based in reality, the circumstances are almost entirely fictional.

Saturday afternoons will offer educational opportunities for all ages:

DIRECTING WORKSHOP - by Deana Duncan (Saturday June 11 @ 1:00 pm)From WICA's accomplished director of hits such as The 39 Steps and A Christmas Story, learn the multi-tiered thought process, planning and preparation that go into mounting a production from the director's seat. Find out how to mesh the creative and technical needs of a play to fit your vision, serve the writer and engage the audience. And get tips to avoid pitfalls.

AUDITION WORKSHOPS - by Phil Jordan (Saturdays June 18 and 25 @ 1:00 pm)The first workshop, on Saturday June 18, will help you learn to select and prepare audition pieces that display your strengths and catch the director’s eye. Learn how to pick audition pieces that hold the attention of the director. We will also discuss how to rehearse your audition to make the most of your five minute audition.

The second workshop, on Saturday June 25, will cover the always stressful callback. Cold reading a scene is difficult and many actors struggle to make good decisions as they read. Learn techniques that will help you display your talent and get the part.